A public inquiry will be held next month at The Oval to determine the future
of Surry’s £35million expansion plans for the ground.

The inquiry, due to start on Oct 14 and set to last at least two weeks, will see government officials assessing a decision by the Health and Safety Executive to block plans for a revamped 5,000-seater stand and 168-bedroom hotel at the venue over fears of a Buncefield depot-style explosion from the nearby gasholder.

The cause of their concern, prompted by the massive oil depot explosion at Buncefield, is ironic given that the gasholders have become an iconic image at the Oval. It now seems their presence may be distinctive but decidedly unhelpful in the club's quest to upgrade its facilities in line with other national sporting arenas.

In an unusual move, the parties have agreed to conduct the inquiry at the ground itself after Lambeth Council encountered difficulties in finding a suitable venue.

The inquiry means the ground will not be ready in time for the lucrative Ashes Test against Australia and World Twenty20 matches next year.

The HSE has said that the development falls into new safety zones placed around developments situated near gasholders.

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It also deems that spectators face danger from an instant ignition of the gasholder, which would create a massive fireball.

A previous application for the project had been refused by the council in October last year following HSE fears that it could cause an explosion at the gas holders.

But Surrey along with developers Arora International submitted a new application including a report from consultants BT&P and Hyder which said the chances of a major gas explosion that would endanger those in the ground was so low as to be ruled out.